Panama City's HOTTEST Rooftop Bar & Kitchen: Tantalo Hotel's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the jungle that is Tantalo Hotel's rooftop bar, the so-called "Hidden Gem" of Panama City. And folks, after spending a few days there, I'm here to tell you… it's hidden all right, and finding it is half the fun. Seriously, navigating the sometimes-chaotic cobbled streets of Casco Viejo to finally discover this place is a victory in itself.
Accessibility: The Good, The Bad, and The Wheelchair-Unfriendly
First things first, because I know it’s super important for some of you: Accessibility is… a mixed bag. The hotel itself has elevators, which is crucial, and a 24-hour front desk, which is a total relief when you're running on Panama time (read: always a little late). BUT, and it's a BIG but, Casco Viejo in general is historically… well, old. Expect cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks, and the kind of gradients that make you feel like you're climbing Everest. Getting around especially for wheelchair users, will likely be a challenge. Wheelchair accessibility, while likely available within the hotel itself, needs to be confirmed before booking. Call ahead!
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I didn't see a specific note about "accessible" dining in the hotel's public spaces.
The Rooftop: Holy Mother of Instagrammable Views!
Okay, let’s talk about what everyone is there for: The Rooftop! It's the heart (and the lungs) of Tantalo. The kind of place that makes you say "Wow" out loud… and then immediately whip out your phone for a picture (or ten). The Pool with a view is the star of the show. Seriously, the Instagram possibilities are ENDLESS. And the views? Sweeping panoramas of the city skyline, with the Casco Viejo architecture perfectly interspersed. It's seriously breathtaking, and at sunset, it's just… chef's kiss.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax & The Spa-ish Experience:
Let's be honest, you're not exactly coming to Tantalo for a hardcore wellness retreat. While there is a Fitness Center, and a Spa and the promise of a massage, a Sauna, a Steamroom, and Body Scrubs/Wraps, the focus is definitely on the vibe. It is the kind of place where the “relaxing” is of the “cocktail in hand, good company, and the world looks pretty from up here” variety, not “essential oils and silence.” I mean, I did see some people getting massages by the pool, but, honestly, I was too busy ogling the skyline to notice the finer points.
But, I do have to say, the pool… is gorgeous.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Pandemic-Era Perspective
Okay, so the world has changed, and so have my expectations. Cleanliness and safety are now at the top of my list. Tantalo seems on top of this, and is working to get that vibe right.. They have the Anti-viral cleaning products, the Daily Disinfection in common areas, and Staff training in safety protocol. They also have Hand sanitizers (thank god!) throughout the place. Rooms are sanitized between stays. The cashless payment service is a great touch in this day and age. They offer Rooms sanitization opt-out is available, which is a good sign too. They even have a doctor/nurse on call – which is a nice safety net.
There’s also CCTV in common areas and outside the property, fire extinguishers and security (24-hour).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Gastronomic Game
The rooftop is where the magic happens. The Bar, Poolside bar, and Restaurants offer a delicious array of options. Expect a mix of International & Western cuisine with a nod to the local fare. Their Happy hour is legendary, and the Coffee/tea is excellent. The Desserts were a highlight. They have room service (24-hour), too if you can’t bear to leave the comfort of your room. It is quite the experience.
The Asian cuisine is something to consider!
The Drinks, The Vibe:
Okay, so the cocktails. Chef’s kiss. They’re well-made, imaginative, and strong enough to forget you nearly fell off the curb getting there. The Bottle of water is a welcome sight in those Panama heat, especially after your third drink! The vibe on the rooftop is electric – a cool mix of locals, tourists, and everyone in between. It’s loud, it's fun, and it's totally Panama.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras
I appreciate the fact that Tantalo has an elevator (Elevator) and a 24-hour front desk. They offer the standard Air con in public areas, laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and Concierge service All of these are important, but sometimes the little things make all the difference.
The Internet Factor:
The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a must. And it actually works! Internet [LAN] is available too. I did see the Wi-Fi in public areas. Internet services like the above are important, especially if you need to actually get work done from your Laptop workspace.
For the Kids (or the Kid in You)
Let's keep it real, Tantalo isn’t primarily a kid-friendly spot. While they have a Babysitting service, it’s not designed for a family vacation.
Available in All Rooms: Comfort and Convenience
My room, despite not being the biggest, had the basics down pat: Air conditioning (essential!), a comfy Bed with extra long bed , a Mini bar (hallelujah!) and a Desk for those moments when I pretended to work. There was also Free bottled water. Coffee/tea maker was a godsend! And the Refrigerator kept my post-cocktail snacks chilled to perfection. The TV with Satellite/cable channels was there for nights when my social battery was on empty. They had Blackout curtains (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), Bathrobes (yes!), and even Slippers (a nice touch).
The Wi-Fi [free] worked flawlessly, and I appreciated the Hair dryer. Smoking rooms are available.
Getting Around
There’s Airport transfer and taxi service. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site] and Valet parking are available.
The Tantalo Experience: The Honest Truth
Okay, so here's the deal. Tantalo isn't perfect. It's a little rough around the edges (that Casco Viejo charm, right?), it’s definitely on the pricier side. But honestly, the rooftop experience alone is worth it. The staff are friendly, the food is good, and the atmosphere is just… irresistible.
Here's the Honest Truth: The Imperfection IS the Perfection.
The slightly dusty charm of Casco Viejo, the slightly wonky (but still fun!) service… it all adds to the experience. You’re not just booking a hotel room; you’re booking a vibe.
Now, for the Sales Pitch (You Knew it was Coming!)
Tantalo Hotel: Your Panama City Sanctuary, with a View!
Tired of the same old hotel routine? Craving views that will actually make your jaw drop? Want a taste of Panama's vibrant nightlife, without leaving your hotel?
Here's what you get, if you book NOW:
- Unforgettable Rooftop Experience: Seriously, the views are legendary. The pool is always a good idea.
- Stylish Rooms: Designed with comfort and Insta-worthiness in mind.
- On-Site Dining and Drinking: Forget scouring the city; the best cocktails and cuisine are right at your fingertips.
- Convenient Location: Explore the historic Casco Viejo, with its charming streets.
- Peace of Mind & Cleanliness: Sanitized spaces, trained staff, and safety protocols in place.
- Flexible options: Breakfast in room, breakfast takeaways.
Why Choose Tantalo?
Because you deserve a vacation that's more than just a vacation. You deserve an experience. You deserve to sip a perfectly crafted cocktail while watching the city lights twinkle.
Book your stay at Tantalo Hotel today and prepare to be amazed! Limited rooms available, so don't miss out!
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Sunsets at Swiss Sunset Inn!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the utter glorious chaos that is a trip to Tantalo Hotel - Kitchen - Roofbar in Panama City. Forget perfect itineraries, we're aiming for a glorious, slightly-tipsy, and deeply human experience. Here we go…
Tantalo Tantrum: A Panama City Romp (aka, My Attempt to Conquer the City…and Maybe Stay Hydrated)
Day 1: Arrival & Attempted Cool…Fail.
1 PM - Arrival at Tocumen International Airport (PTY): Dear God, the humidity hits you like a warm, wet slap in the face. Instantly regretted my skinny jeans. Found a tiny, desperate-looking cafe for a quick coffee and a pastry (pretty sure it was a day old, but caffeine is king). The entire process of passport control, customs, and luggage retrieval felt like an Olympic endurance event. I, however, was not an Olympian.
2:30 PM - Taxi to Tantalo (or, My First Tango with Panamanian Traffic): The taxi driver, bless his heart, was a caffeinated blur. He weaved through the streets like a Formula 1 racer on a sugar rush. I held on for dear life, muttering prayers and marveling at the sheer audacity of the traffic. My inner monologue was a beautiful tapestry of “OH MY GOD” and “I need a drink, immediately.”
3:30 PM - Check-in and GASP The Room!: The lobby? Uber-chic, art everywhere, everything is like "look at me, I'm cool". Then you see the room. Okay, its small, but the art on the wall? Beautiful. The shower? Hot water, thank the heavens. But still, the AC isn't quite up to the task of fighting the tropical storm of humidity that had decided to move in. Note to self: pack more deodorant.
4:00 PM - Roofbar Reconnaissance & Immediate Regret (sort of): Okay, the roofbar. The photos lied. The view is slightly less "epic city vista" more "a view of a lot of slightly tired looking buildings". But the pool! Tiny, but sparkling. The cocktails? Oh, the cocktails… I tried "The Tantalo" and felt instantly cooler. A wave of contentment washed over me. It was all beginning to feel worth the travel stress and the questionable pastry. But the sun…the sun was brutal. And I'd forgotten my damn hat.
7:00 PM - Dinner at Tantalo Kitchen (The Food Coma Begins): Downstairs. My goal was simple: eat, and then sleep. The kitchen itself is dark and has a great vibe. I ordered the ceviche, and felt like I had died and gone to heaven. Then the main course hit: the short ribs. OMG. I thought i couldn't eat another bite and yet, everything tasted so good. So I ate 'em. Then I practically crawled back to my room, already dreaming of more ceviche. Food coma. That's all.
Day 2: Casco Viejo Charm & Attempted Culture (with a side of existential angst)
9:00 AM - Wake-up, Regret and attempt to drink coffee: Well, I woke up. And the headache from the cocktails of the night before was in full force . Coffee was vital. The coffee at the hotel, it turns out, is not. I needed to get out. Now.
10:00 AM - Exploring Casco Viejo (The Colonial Beauty…and the Tourist Hustle): Taxi again! Again! Thank god for air conditioning. Casco Viejo. Architectural gorgeousness everywhere. The buildings are ancient and crumbling but, man, are they beautiful. A local street vendor started selling me something in Spanish, for 30 seconds I tried to understand the sales pitch. "Hola" and "si" were the only words i could use. I got out of that situation as fast as possible and ended up in a more relaxing area. Every corner is Instagram-bait. But also, you get the feeling of being constantly gently nudged to buy something. I felt like a walking wallet. Also, sunburn, and my first actual mosquito bite. Oh great.
1:00 PM - Lunch at a Random Cafe (and embracing the "lost in translation" experience): Found a little place tucked away in a courtyard. My Spanish is… non-existent. The menu was all in Spanish. Pointing and smiling. Eventually, I was served a plate of what I think was chicken with rice and beans. It was delicious and I can't remember how it's called. Another win for the "Trust the Universe" method of travel.
2:30 PM - Rooftop Bar AGAIN (Because, Priorities): Back at Tantalo. Needed a cocktail. The sun seemed less aggressive today (or maybe I just didn't care as much). The pool was heaven on earth, the cocktails were even better. I may have spent a good deal of time staring at the city through a haze of relaxation, wondering about the fleeting nature of existence (because yes, even on vacation, I am an overthinker).
7:00 PM - Dinner at Tantalo Kitchen (Round 2, Fight!): Okay, I was feeling brave. Tonight, I went for the fish tacos. Delicious. Also, another cocktail, because hey, why not? The music seemed louder tonight. There was a nice feeling of people sharing great times.
Day 3: Departure (and a promise to return…maybe)
9:00 AM - Final Coffee Attempt: Still not great. Gonna have to find a proper coffee place for next time.
10:00 AM - Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt (and a dose of panic): Needed to scoop up some souvenirs. Casco Viejo again! Found a cute little shop selling local crafts and maybe, just maybe, I got a bargain.
11:30 AM - Taxi to the Airport (Deja Vu): The same driver? Well, time to strap in and mentally prepare for the chaotic ride.
1:00 PM - Departure: Said goodbye to Panama City. Sunburned, slightly buzzed, filled with memories (both good and slightly embarrassing). Did I love it? Absolutely. Did I make a fool of myself on multiple occasions? Without a doubt. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just, next time, I'm bringing a better hat, and a phrase book! Tantalo, you magnificent, messy, wonderful place, I will return.
Tantalo Rooftop: So, Is It REALLY All That? Let's Get Messy.
Okay, spill the tea. What's the Vibe at Tantalo's Rooftop, Seriously?
Is it Worth the Price Tag? 'Cause Panama City's Not Exactly Cheap, You Know...
What's the Food Like, REALLY? Is it Just Pretty Plates, or Is It Actually Good?
What's the Best Time to Go to Avoid the Craziest Crowds (and Still Get the Sunset View)?
Is It Kid-Friendly/Family-Friendly? (Or Should I Leave the Little Ones at Home?)
What's the Dress Code? Do I Need to Get Fancy?
Any Tips for Scoring a Good Table? (Because, Ugh, the Wait...)
What Else Should I Know?! (What Did I Forget to Ask?)
